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In Scotland, a child is found with a knife approximately every four days, leading to concerns about a ‘youth violence outbreak’.
In 2024, police employing stop-and-search authorities documented 91 instances involving minors below the age of 18 who were discovered with a knife or sharp instrument.
Almost one-third of all positive knife searches involve teenagers, and these statistics emerge against the backdrop of multiple prominent incidents featuring young individuals with lethal weaponry.
In the past three months, two teenagers have lost their lives due to knife-related violence, with similar incidents of weapon misuse being documented throughout the nation.
Kayden Moy, who was 16 years old, from East Kilbride, reportedly died due to stab wounds at Irvine beach in Ayrshire on May 17. Two 17-year-old males have been accused of murdering him.
A teenager was reportedly stabbed at Portobello Beach.
Edinburgh
on May 16.
In recent weeks, knife-related offenses involving younger individuals have taken center stage in Scotland’s political discussions, leading First Minister John Swinney to address concerns by affirming his administration’s dedication to tackling youth misconduct.
In July of last year, a 10-year-old was apprehended for possessing a knife in eastern Edinburgh. Meanwhile, during 2024, instances involving 12-year-olds wielding knives were reported across various locations including the capital city, Ayrshire, Glasgow, and Lanarkshire.
Moreover, over a dozen children around the age of 13, including two girls, underwent a rigorous knife inspection.
Pauline McNeill, the Scottish Labour spokesperson on justice issues, has advocated for an increase in early intervention programs.
She informed the crime and justice journal, 1919 Magazine, stating, “These alarming statistics serve as further evidence that a youth violence crisis is developing in Scotland.”
‘The SNP has sparked a perfect storm by reducing funding for youth services, allowing police staffing levels to drop, and mishandling both CAMHS and educational programs.’
‘Every single one of these 91 cases poses significant concerns for our communities and could be extremely dangerous for those involved with the weapons.’
‘The sole method to address this successfully is through early intervention programs that target the underlying issues; otherwise, we will fall short of serving our communities.’
‘The SNP needs to urgently address all these aspects to combat knife crime and truly implement measures that can stop this epidemic.’
The Scottish Conservative Party asserted that ‘lenient’ sentencing approaches, designed to reduce penalties for individuals under 25, are encouraging younger generations to wield weapons.
Sharon Dowey, the party’s spokesperson for community safety, stated: “These startling statistics reveal the extent to which knife crime has escalated out of control.”
‘The irrational sentencing guidelines for individuals under 25 have led to an increase in violence among younger criminals who feel encouraged to wield harmful weapons.’
‘There should be significant penalties for individuals who wield knives and enhanced authority for law enforcement to conduct stops and searches, serving as a warning.’
‘The SNP’s lenient approach to justice demonstrates a complete failure of responsibility under John Swinney’s administration.’
‘It is about time that nationalist ministers realized the seriousness of this circumstance and promptly provided our law enforcement with the necessary resources to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods.’
David Threadgold, who chairs the Scottish Police Federation, has demanded the implementation of more efficient preventive measures.
He stated: “Every one of these figures represents an actual scenario that posed substantial danger to my colleagues, along with possible lifelong repercussions for the offender. Tragically, as we’ve witnessed lately throughout Scotland, this also includes victims of knife crime, alongside their loved ones.”
‘The resolution of this issue should not solely depend on the police; far more comprehensive and efficient preventive measures must be implemented throughout Scotland.’
He cautioned against “soundbites” from politicians and posed the question: “Given that we are reducing the number of police officers, proceeding with the closure of police stations, and compelled to devise strategies like ‘a proportionate approach to crime’ to manage overwhelming service demands, can we genuinely integrate deeply within our communities? Would this integration enable us to forge the kind of relationships necessary to contribute effectively towards community safety?”
First Minister John Swinney expressed his ‘deep sorrow over the loss of young lives’ and outlined a three-part strategy to address this concern to MSPs. The plan includes early intervention via educational programs, fostering connections within schools and communities, and implementing appropriate consequences when offenses occur.
Regarding the stop-and-search statistics, a spokesperson from the Scottish Government stated: “These powers ought to be employed lawfully, when necessary, and in a proportional manner. The decision to utilize them in specific instances rests with Police Scotland.”
‘Police employ stop and search techniques, which serve as one tool among many to combat violence, including initiatives for prevention and education.’
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